England

The English river cruise from The River Cruise Line is along the Thames, in the south of England. The Thames is probably best known for its lower reaches, which flow through the city of London, but it also flows through eight other counties and 17 towns and cities on its journey from Thames Head, Gloucestershire. Our cruise reveals the lesser-known parts around Oxfordshire and Berkshire, which were the inspiration for Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, a classic piece of children’s literature telling the story of Toad, Ratty, Mole and Badger and their adventures along the riverbank.

Our late availability page contains special offers that pop up intermittently. It all depends on where some space opens up on one of our river cruise ships. Our river cruise in England may appear on this page — so make sure you keep an eye on it. And you can learn more about our cruise experience if you’re still trying to make up your mind.

Join this award-winning vessel for a relaxing cruise through Wind in the Willows country.

Fantastic towns

A cruise through England has so much to offer, but our cruise focuses on a stretch of the Thames that runs through the counties of Oxfordshire and Berkshire. Fascinating towns en route include: Wallingford, former home of Agatha Christie and a regular location for ITV’s Midsomer Murdersand Henley-on-Thames — recognised around the world for its annual royal regatta.

Food & drink

Traditionally, English food consists of chicken, lamb, beef, pork or fish as a feature item, which is then accompanied with potatoes, in various forms, and vegetables. Established dishes include Sunday roast, toad in the hole, ploughman’s lunch, shepherd’s pie, cottage pie, and bubble and squeak. They are also known for their sweet tooth and there are hundreds of variations of sweet puddings including crumbles, apple pie, bread and butter pudding, spotted dick, treacle sponge and trifle.

Tea is one of the most popular drinks in England, having arrived here in the 17th century. Today, however, it is closely followed by coffee. England is also renowned for its cider and beer production, particularly cask-conditioned beer, known as ‘real ale’.

Stunning scenery

The Thames is famous throughout the world for its history, culture, and amazing variety of wildlife, archaeology and scenery. Surrounded by beautiful English countryside, pretty towns and villages line its banks, offering beautiful river walks and plenty of pubs where you can linger over a drink or two.

England rivers

• The picturesque village of Sonning was described by Jerome K. Jerome in his book Three Men in a Boat as “the most fairy-like little nook on the whole river”. Several notable people have resided here and Sonning Theatre, a beautifully restored 18th century flour mill, is the only dinner theatre in the UK and was the inspiration for Toad Hall.

• Henley-on-Thames is known and lauded the world over for its annual royal regatta. The historic town is only a few strides from the river Thames and is filled with beautiful buildings. It is also home to the River and Rowing Museum, which has the statues of the two great Olympians: Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent, along with a permanent 3D exhibition dedicated to The Wind in the Willows.

• The market town of Wallingford lies at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, with highlights that include a 900 foot medieval stone bridge which crosses the Thames, and the remains of Wallingford Castle. It was also the former home of Agatha Christie and regular TV location for Midsomer Murders known as ‘Causton’.